When it’s all said and done I would like to look back and think that I help to make modelling a possibility for a greater number of people. I don’t do things that I will regret in the future. I tend to err on the side of caution. Not to mention the fact that the present world I reside in would not have been possible without my past. I am most proud of being able to represent my family and community with honour and dignity.

Alek Wek

Categorized in : Thinking Past Regret

I have no problem with whatever the next big look is. Just don't try and tell me that only one look is beautiful.

next trying beautiful

For me, there has never been one definition of beauty. I think we all have something to offer and when beauty shines from within, there can be no denying it

definitions shining thinking

I believe that true beauty comes from inside you and that always shows through. I have no problem with whatever the next look is, whether it's big blonde hair and blue eyes or green hair and dark eyes. That's fine so long as there isn't just one ideal image.

eye dark believe

I learnt just how little it takes to survive, which is why I don’t waste things – food, money, friendships or opportunities.

waste opportunity littles

In my country, families are raised as though they are one. Although I am from the Dinka tribe, my parents didn't raise us as the Dinka tribe. They raised us as the Wek family, in the way they believed their children should grow up. So when you leave, the first thing you think is the ones you left behind. It's natural to help them in any way you can. I found a way to support myself rather than asking my Mum to give me money. I would work before school and send money back to pay for their rent and food.

growing-up country children

You can't buy enlightenment, but you can hire a mirror so you can... by Alek Wek

You can't buy enlightenment, but you can hire a mirror so you can watch it happen.

enlightenment mirrors teacher

You don't have to go with the crowd. by Alek Wek

You don't have to go with the crowd.

crowds

Beauty is deeper than just what you look at in a picture. You could fancy what you like, but as a woman my mother always raised us to believe in ourselves. I'm very grateful for the fact that my mother brought me up that way.

grateful mother believe

To have this opportunity, in light of my familys struggles, made me want to create something lasting and relevant.

light struggle opportunity

Not everyone is selfish in fashion. There are people who go to bed feeling good about themselves and then spread the love.

selfish fashion people

I'm trying to grow older with wisdom. by Alek Wek

I'm trying to grow older with wisdom.

grows trying

My boyfriend isn't a rock star. His values are rock solid. We met... by Alek Wek

My boyfriend isn't a rock star. His values are rock solid. We met at a dinner and he made me laugh.

rocks stars laughing

Pressure only makes you sick. You won't get anything positive out... by Alek Wek

Pressure only makes you sick. You won't get anything positive out of it.

sick pressure

Maybe I do have a few more dresses, but I'm just like everyone el... by Alek Wek

Maybe I do have a few more dresses, but I'm just like everyone else.

dresses

If we don't take care of each other, who will? ... I don't want to ever say, 'I should've done something.'

care done want

I wore hot pants and cowboy boots and I thought, 'What have I got... by Alek Wek

I wore hot pants and cowboy boots and I thought, 'What have I gotten myself into?'

cowboy boots hot

Fashion shows are glamorous for 20 minutes. by Alek Wek

Fashion shows are glamorous for 20 minutes.

glamorous minutes fashion

A lot of people especially want to know about going into business... by Alek Wek

A lot of people especially want to know about going into business. But it's a two-way conversation.

want two people

There are models who don't eat. That's worrisome - you need the r... by Alek Wek

There are models who don't eat. That's worrisome - you need the right amount of gas to get going.

gas models needs

I think I enjoy London the best as it's where I started my career... by Alek Wek

I think I enjoy London the best as it's where I started my career. But Paris is beautiful too.

careers beautiful thinking